How to Make a Bog Garden

Co-authored by Ben Barkan

Last Updated: June 2, 2023 Approved

A small bog garden can allow you to grow a range of interesting plants that enjoy being waterlogged and in the constant presence of water. It can be an ideal solution for the corner of the garden that's always just a bit soggy or a garden that's always in the shade and on the damp side. Here is how to create a bog garden.

Steps

It doesn't have to be large but it should be at least one metre in depth. Also, digging out lawn space is preferable as it's under-utilised space and the turf is handy for lining the bog. Keep the turf that you dig up.^{[1]
X
Research source
www.discoverwildlife.com/how-to/wildlife-gardening/how-to-make-a-bog-garden-for-wildlife}
Once you've dug the hole, use black plastic pond liner to line it. Poke a few holes in the liner here and there.^{[2]
X
Research source
www.perrywood.co.uk/gardening-tips/create-a-bog-garden/}
Shovel over a layer of gravel and pebbles. Make this layer about 8 centimeter (3.1 in) high. Cover this with a layer of peat.
If you used a different part of the garden, place those pieces back into the bog.
Using decomposed plant matter, peat, fibrous plant material, and soil, fill the bog garden in.^{[3]
X
Research source
www.perrywood.co.uk/gardening-tips/create-a-bog-garden/}
6
Plant with suitable bog plants. Plants that might be ideal for your bog garden include:
- Hostas
- Bog primula (they need shade)
- Irises^{[4]
  X
  Research source
  www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=807}
- Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)
- Forget-me-nots^{[5]
  X
  Research source
  www.backyardgardener.com/garden-tip-articles/garden-guide/how-to-make-a-bog-garden/}
- Polygonum^{[6]
  X
  Research source
  www.karensgardentips.com/plant-profiles-how-to-grow/plant-profile-mountain-fleece-polygonum-amplexicaule-aka-persicaria-amplexicaulis/}
- Crocosmias^{[7]
  X
  Research source
  www.gardeningattheedge.wordpress.com/category/bog-garden/}
- Monardas (wild bergamot)^{[8]
  X
  Research source
  www.cottagegardenplantsltd.com/page%2013%20monarda.htm}
- Some ferns.
The moisture content will be retained much longer.
Fertilise with a liquid fertiliser. Do this regularly.
Weed regularly. Like any garden, weeds will grow and they need to be removed on a regular basis. Sedges can become a problem, as can buttercups, which will grow like weeds. Japanese iris will also grow like a weed.

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What are some great resources that people can use if they want to learn more about gardening?

Ben Barkan
Garden & Landscape Designer
Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, is licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and is a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Ben Barkan

Garden & Landscape Designer

Expert Answer

Just do it and learn by doing, learn by experimenting, and learn by making mistakes. Learn by working with the plants and letting the plants teach you what you're doing right and what you're doing wrong. Pay attention to the plants. Pay attention to if you're watering them too much or too little. It's better to just do it and make mistakes than it is to wait until you feel like you're an expert. I've been doing this over 12 years and I'm still learning every day.

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Can I have a bog garden and a pond?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

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Absolutely, you could do this. One way is to situate the bog garden alongside the pond, to keep all the water features like pumps, liners and plants together for ease of care and maintenance, as well as for sharing water. When building the pond, build the bog garden at the same time and make use of any liner pieces not used in the pond. Allow water from the pond to run into the bog garden but don't let the bog garden affect the pond or it may result in a buildup of too many nutrients.

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Can you suggest some suitable plants for a bog garden?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Various suitable plants are suggested in the article above, including hostas, monardas and ferns. Other plants that might be suitable include rhubarb, day lily, Japanese flag iris, globe flower, striped grass and some primulas. Try to stick to local plants where possible; drop into your local nursery and ask them for suggestions of suitable plants for your area and climate.

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You may need to identify the bog garden using sticks, fencing, or other materials in case it's assumed it's just another soil covered area of the garden.

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